Chapter 10

Jaime and Steve watched the boat that had dropped them off until they couldn't see it anymore (or at least, until Jaime couldn't see it) before they finally dared to believe that this time, their vacation was actually happening. After Michael pled guilty, Jaime had spent another week in the hospital, until her flashbacks had dwindled to a manageable few. They had spent several more weeks recuperating at home, allowing Jaime to regain her physical strength and finding their footing again as a couple. The trio of doctors had been over-cautious before clearing them for the trip because this time Jaime and Steve would be truly alone. Mark and Rudy were ensconced in a hotel at Paradise Island, twenty minutes away by boat if needed, but they (along with Doctor Corinth) wanted to ensure that the newlyweds would be as free from physical and emotional danger as it was possible to get them.

At Mark's suggestion, to allow themselves time to mend their bruised psyches (and to make the honeymoon truly feel like a honeymoon), Jaime and Steve had avoided sexual contact after her release from the hospital. They'd found it impossibly frustrating (but tantalizing too) to kiss each other good night and fall asleep simply holding hands. As a result, now that they were on the island - and truly alone - they wanted each other desperately.

They set their bags down in the living room area; unpacking could definitely wait! Someone had clearly been there not long before them, but this time the motive was anything but ominous. An ice bucket with a bottle of chilled champagne waited on the counter along with a note that simply said Enjoy...signed by Oscar himself.

''Oscar has elves, even on an island,'' Jaime marveled.

''Island Spirits,'' Steve corrected. He wanted to grab his wife and take her, right there on the rug in front of the little fireplace, right now...but after waiting this long, he intended to do it right. Guessing correctly, he went to the freezer and found two icy champagne flutes...and yes, there were strawberries in the fridge, already hulled. (As he'd told Jaime the last time they were here, the OSI did everything in style.)

''Island Spirits, then,'' Jaime said with a giggle. Then her eyes grew serious. ''I hope they like us better this time.''

Steve drew her into his arms and kissed her softly. ''I'm sure they do.''

For a split second, Jaime flashed on an image of having to kiss Michael in the cabin - but it was gone almost before her mind could acknowledge it and she relaxed into her husband's embrace. ''The champagne could always wait 'til later,'' she suggested. The pure love in Steve's gaze quickly found her melting point and with one hand he returned the flutes to the freezer as his other hand entwined in Jaime's hair, deepening the next kiss. ''I need you...now,'' Jaime moaned softly.

Steve was more than happy to comply. He lifted Jaime easily into his arms, their lips never breaking contact as he carried her to the bedroom and laid her back against the soft down pillows. He undressed her with almost excruciating slowness, reveling in the effect it was having on her. Jaime clutched at him hungrily...but Steve would not be rushed. When she began pleading - with her eyes, her body's motions and the soft little sounds she was making - Steve could hold out no longer. In the way they liked best, their eyes met at the same moment their bodies did, making their union one of souls.

They remained united for a very long time, pausing to rest only occasionally but never leaving the comforting luxury (because now they knew what a luxury it was) of each other's arms.

Judge Rafferty had taken his time, considering every fact carefully before re-convening the court for Michael's sentencing. It had taken nearly a month and the timing couldn't have been more ironic. Michael and his attorney took their places and Oscar, Hansen and Frank Morrisey sat on the opposite side of the table at nearly the precise moment that Jaime and Steve were reuniting.

''As to the charges of Attempted Murder of a Federal Agent,'' the judge began, ''As a concession for the plea of Guilty, sentence shall be eight years on each of the first five counts and twenty years on the sixth, for the attack on Doctor Wells. These sentences shall run consecutively. The defense as to the Kidnapping charge, that the victim released the defendant from custody and thus went willingly with him...is denied. Sentence of 20 years to life for Aggravated Kidnapping, to run consecutively with the previous sentences. At least fifty percent of sentence shall be served before consideration for parole.''

Oscar nodded with satisfaction. Michael would never walk free again.

Mark and Rudy prepared to lay into two of the biggest steaks they'd ever seen. ''Think they're doing alright?'' Rudy asked.

''They're strong enough to help each other through the rough patches now,'' Mark confirmed. ''And they have 'grounding' materials if they need them. They're through the worst of it, but some problems could still crop up. They have each other though - so they'll be fine.''

Jaime laid across Steve's chest, his fingers playing with her hair - and both of them feeling too languid and satiated to get up. ''What's for dinner?'' Jaime asked softly.

''You,'' Steve chuckled.

Jaime laughed with him. ''We have to eat some time - to keep up our strength for what's really important.''

''Grilled shrimp would go well with that champagne.'' Steve was suddenly ravenous. ''But maybe you should light the grill...''